The grant is the last portion of an overall economic assistance package for the year 2001 valued at $150 million, the statement said. Washington grants Jordan annual economic aid of $150 million and military assistance estimated at between $50 and $75 million.

The countries signed a free trade agreement in October aimed at boosting US investment in the kingdom. The deal was approved by the US House of Representatives but still needs to approval by the Senate before it comes into effect. — (AFP, Amman)